The new archbishop of Canterbury was formally enthroned Thursday – and questions about the Church of England’s opposition to same-sex marriage greeted his promotion.

Justin Welby is the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, serving as head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the world’s 77 million-strong Anglican Communion.

Welby was formally enthroned at the 900-year-old Canterbury Cathedral in southern England before politicians, including Prime Minister David Cameron and religious leaders. Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, also attended.

Dressed in a cope, stole and a gold-colored silk mitre, Welby symbolically struck the cathedral’s west door three times with the end of his staff to formally request admission to the cathedral.